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50 Centimes - Chambre de Commerce de Caen et de Honfleur 14
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce de Caen et de Honfleur |
|---|---|
| Year | 1915 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 50 Centimes (0.50) |
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| Obverse description | Printed in red on a cream-toned ground, the obverse is enclosed within an elaborate acanthus-scroll border with ornamental corner flourishes. The issuing authority title 'CHAMBRES DE COMMERCE DE CAEN ET DE HONFLEUR' is set in bold letterpress across the upper portion, below which the denomination '0F.50' and 'Cinquante Centimes' appear in large type at centre. The municipal coats of arms of Caen and Honfleur are placed at lower left and lower right respectively, flanking the central denomination, while signature lines for the presidents of each chamber appear above, accompanied by a circular dry-stamp cancellation. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed entirely in red on a pale ground and consists of a central cartouche framed by acanthus scrollwork, with scallop-shell ornaments at top and bottom centre and fleur-de-lis motifs at the lower corners. Within the cartouche, a three-line text specifies the conditions of redemption at Banque de France branches and auxiliary offices in the Calvados department, and the designation 'DEUXIÈME ÉMISSION' is set in bold letterpress beneath. The denomination '0,50' appears in large figures at both the left and right margins outside the cartouche. |
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| Comments |
French Chambers of Commerce were authorized to issue emergency small-denomination notes in 1914–15 to address the acute shortage of coin that followed the outbreak of war — silver and copper were hoarded immediately, leaving everyday commerce functionally paralyzed. The Caen chamber's issues were among dozens produced locally across Normandy and the rest of France during this period, each chamber responsible for its own redemption guarantee.
Printed by Charles Valin in Caen, this 50 centimes note covers two distinct commercial territories — Caen and Honfleur — reflecting the chamber's dual jurisdiction across Calvados and its port annex on the Seine estuary.